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An Israeli security guard was seriously injured in an alleged ram car attack at a West Bank checkpoint early Monday morning, security officials said.
Security forces at the checkpoint opened fire and shot the teenage driver, fatally injuring him, officials said. He was later pronounced dead.
Palestinian media identified him as Muhammad Nidal Younis. According to the Defense Ministry, which operates the checkpoint, he was 16 years old and from the Palestinian city of Nablus.
The incident happened around 1:20 a.m. at the Te’enim checkpoint near the West Bank town of Tulkarm. According to the Ministry of Defense, Younis with his car crashed into another vehicle crossing the level crossing, hitting the security guard on the way.
Doctors from Magen David Adom said the guard, 34, was in serious but stable condition with head and chest injuries and was conscious.
He was evacuated to Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv and a few hours later his condition became moderate.
Defense ministry director general Amir Eshel, who visited the scene of the attack, said in a statement that the checkpoint guards acted swiftly and decisively.
“This is a serious attack and we all wish the injured security guard a speedy recovery. The security guards acted quickly, just like we train them – seeking contact, hitting the terrorist and ending the incident within seconds, â€Eshel said in a statement. “We are investigating the circumstances of the incident and will consider further measures to improve the safety of security officers.”
The incident comes just over a day after a Palestinian stabbed a Jewish civilian in a suspected terror attack near Jerusalem’s Old City, with two border police officers shooting the assailant.
Israeli security forces at the scene of a stabbing attack outside the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem on December 4, 2021 (Jamal Awad / Flash90)
Police were questioned after video of the incident showed them firing several shots at the assailant while he was already lying on the ground. Police video of the entire incident that was released later showed that officers did not immediately shoot the assailant, but did so only after he pounced on them Many times.
The pair, who received strong backing from the prime minister, police chief and other senior officials, said they feared he was still dangerous when they shot him seconds after he was shot. ‘attack.